Methods, devices and systems for tracking vehicles

ABSTRACT

There is provided a kit comprising a base member adapted to be releasably attached to an upper region of a vehicle; a pole member comprising a first end that is adapted to be releasably coupled to the base member; an identification tag adapted to be mounted on the pole member and at a predetermined distance from the first end; and a light adapted to be positioned on the pole member. Such a kit is quite useful for tracking vehicles such as vehicles left outdoors that can be covered with ice and snow.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation application of U.S. Ser. No.15/125,004 filed on Sep. 9, 2016 that is a 35 USC 371 national stageentry of PCT/CA2015/000109 filed on Feb. 23, 2015 and that claimspriority on U.S. 61/968,019 filed on Mar. 20, 2014. These documents arehereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

FIELD

The present subject-matter relates methods, devices and systems fortracking vehicles such as automobiles.

INTRODUCTION

It is typical in vehicle dealerships, vehicle maintenance garages, orvehicle manufacturing plants for a large number of vehicles to belocated in one site. Moreover, the inventory of vehicles on-site may beconstantly changing. For example, at a dealership, new stock of vehiclesmay arrive while other vehicles are being sold. For example, at amaintenance garage, a first set of vehicles leave the site when theirrequired maintenance tasks are complete while another set of vehiclesarrive on-site for their respective maintenance tasks. For example, atvehicle manufacturing plants, new vehicles are being produced whileother vehicles are being transported to dealerships or other.

Due to space restrictions, it is typical for some on-site vehicles to beleft outdoors. While vehicles are generally stored on-site, it is alsotypical for some vehicles to leave the site temporarily.

Each vehicle is typically paired with a corresponding key for startingthe vehicle. In addition to tracking the stock of vehicles being kepton-site, it is also necessarily to track the stock of keys paired whicheach of the vehicles.

SUMMARY

It would thus be highly desirable to be provided with a device, systemor method that would at least partially address the disadvantages of theexisting technologies.

The embodiments described herein provide in one aspect an identificationkit that includes a first tag member for mounting onto a rearview mirrorof a vehicle and having formed thereon at least one first visualidentifier displaying a unique identification code and a first passiveRFID tag; and a second tag member for mounting onto a vehicle key, thesecond tag member having formed thereon at least one second visualidentifier displaying the unique identification code and a secondpassive RFID tag.

The embodiments described herein provide in another aspect a method fortracking a vehicle, the method comprising: receiving a new vehicletracking request for a given vehicle being associated with a givenunique identification code; initializing a vehicle tracking operation,the operation associating at least a first remotely readable tag to thegiven unique identification code; intermittently reading at a pluralityof reading devices a plurality of remotely readable tags each beingassociated with a respective unique identification code; and updating acurrent location of the given vehicle if the first remotely readable tagassociated to the given unique identification code is read by a first ofthe plurality of reading devices, the current location being a locationof the first reading device.

The embodiments described herein provide in another aspect a system fortracking a vehicle, the system comprising: a memory for storing aplurality of instructions; a process coupled to the memory, theprocessor configured for: receiving a new vehicle tracking request for agiven vehicle being associated with a given unique identification code;initializing a vehicle tracking operation, the operation associating atleast a first remotely readable tag to the given unique identificationcode; intermittently reading at a plurality of reading devices aplurality of remotely readable tags each being associated with arespective unique identification code; and updating a current locationof the given vehicle if the first remotely readable tag associated tothe given unique identification code is read by a first of the pluralityof reading devices, the current location being a location of the firstreading device.

The embodiments described herein provide in another aspect anidentification device that includes a base member adapted to bereleasably attached to an upper region of a vehicle, a pole memberextending from the base member and an identification tag adapted to beread wirelessly and being positioned on the pole member at apredetermined distance from the base member.

The embodiments described herein provide in another aspect in anotheraspect a kit that includes a base member adapted to be releasablyattached to an upper region of a vehicle, a pole member comprising afirst end that is adapted to be releasably coupled to the base member,and an identification tag adapted to be mounted on the pole member andat a predetermined distance from the first end.

The embodiments described herein provide in another aspect a method ofmounting an identification device to a vehicle. The method includesattaching a base member to an upper region of a vehicle and positioninga pole member coupled to the base member to a substantially uprightposition, whereby a remotely readable tag positioned on the pole memberis positioned to a predetermined height above the upper region of thevehicle.

The embodiments described herein provide in another aspect a method fortracking a location of a vehicle. The method includes receiving a newvehicle tracking request for a given vehicle being associated with agiven unique identification code and setting an absence permission forthe unique identification code to disallowed, intermittently reading ata plurality of reading devices a plurality of remotely readable tagseach being associated with a respective unique identification code, atleast one of the plurality reading devices being a boundary readingdevice and one of the remotely readable tags being associated with thegiven unique identification code, and transmitting an alert if one ofthe at least one boundary reading devices reads the remotely readabletag associated to the given unique identification code while the absencepermission for the given unique identification code is set todisallowed.

The embodiments described herein provide in another aspect a system fortracking a location of a vehicle, the system comprising a memory forstoring a plurality of instructions and a processor coupled to thememory. The processor is configured for receiving a new vehicle trackingrequest for a given vehicle being associated with a given uniqueidentification code and setting an absence permission for the uniqueidentification code to disallowed, intermittently reading at a pluralityof reading devices a plurality of remotely readable tags each beingassociated with a respective unique identification code, at least one ofthe plurality reading devices being a boundary reading device and one ofthe remotely readable tags being associated with the given uniqueidentification code, and transmitting an alert if one of the at leastone boundary reading devices reads the remotely readable tag associatedto the given unique identification code while the absence permission forthe given unique identification code is set to disallowed.

The embodiments described herein provide in another aspect anidentification device comprising a first tag member for mounting onto arearview mirror of a vehicle and having formed thereon on a first visualidentifier displaying a unique identification code and a first passiveRFID tag associated to the unique identification code, a second tagmember for mounting onto a vehicle key, the second tag member beingdetachable from the first tag member and having formed thereon a secondvisual identifier displaying the unique identification code and a secondpassive RFID tag associated to the unique identification code, and athird tag member being detachable from the first tag member and havingformed thereon a third visual identifier displaying the uniqueidentification code.

DRAWINGS

The following drawings represent non-limitative examples in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an exterior identificationdevice according to one exemplary embodiment having been attached to avehicle;

FIG. 2 illustrates a side elevation view of the exterior identificationdevice according to an alternative exemplary embodiment having beenattached to a vehicle;

FIG. 3 illustrates a plan view of a kit for forming an exterioridentification device according to one exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 4A illustrates a plan view of an interior identification deviceaccording to one exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 4B illustrates a plan view of an unassembled first tag member of anidentification kit according to one exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 4C illustrates a plan view of an unassembled second tag member ofan identification kit according to one exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 4D illustrates a plan view of the exemplary kit according to oneexemplary embodiment;

FIG. 5 illustrates a schematic diagram of a first tag member and asecond tag member of the interior identification device in use;

FIG. 6 illustrates a schematic diagram of a vehicle tracking systemaccording to various exemplary embodiments;

FIG. 7 illustrates a schematic diagram of an exemplary tracked premises;

FIG. 8A illustrates a flowchart of the general operational steps of anexemplary method for initializing vehicle tracking;

FIG. 8B illustrates a flowchart of the general operational steps of anexemplary detailed method for initializing vehicle tracking;

FIG. 8C illustrates a flowchart of the general operational steps of anexemplary method for preparing a vehicle for using a vehicle trackingoperation;

FIG. 9A illustrates a schematic diagram of an exemplary data structureof a tracking management system;

FIG. 9B illustrates a schematic diagram of an exemplary data structureof a tracking management system;

FIG. 10 illustrates a flowchart of the general operational steps of anexemplary method for tracking a vehicle;

FIG. 11 illustrates a flowchart of the general operational steps of anexemplary detailed method for tracking a vehicle;

FIG. 12 illustrates a flowchart of the general operation steps of anexemplary method for tracking a vehicle; and

FIG. 13 illustrates a flowchart of the general operational steps of anexemplary method for tracking a vehicle.

DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS

The following examples are presented in a non-limiting manner.

It has been observed that vehicles being left outdoors are sometimesmore difficult to track due to the presence of environmental factors.For example, the presence of ice and snow covering a vehicle impairs aperson's ability to visually identify that vehicle. For example, whereremotely readable devices, such as RFID tags are used, a layer of iceand/or snow covering the vehicle attenuates the wireless signals usedfor remotely reading the readable devices. It has been observed thatwhen remotely readable devices are placed inside the vehicle or on thesurface of the vehicle, the ability to remotely read the remotelyreadable devices is diminished due to the presence of environmentalfactors.

The expression “tracked premises” as herein refers to a defined areawherein a plurality of vehicles are stored. Vehicles may be moved withinthe area. New vehicles may be brought into the defined area whilecurrently present vehicles may leave the area temporarily orpermanently.

The term “on-site” as used herein in reference to a vehicle refers tothe state of the vehicle being located within the tracked premises.

The expression “vehicle tracking operation” as used herein refers toactions being carried out to track the location of vehicles within thetracked premises. The vehicle tracking operation may also includetracking whether certain vehicles have left the tracked premises eithertemporarily or permanently.

The term “consisting essentially of”, as used herein, is intended tospecify the presence of the stated features, elements, components,groups, integers, and/or steps as well as those that do not materiallyaffect the basic and novel characteristic(s) of features, elements,components, groups, integers, and/or steps.

Terms of degree such as “about” and “approximately” as used herein meana reasonable amount of deviation of the modified term such that the endresult is not significantly changed. These terms of degree should beconstrued as including a deviation of at least ±5% or at least ±10% ofthe modified term if this deviation would not negate the meaning of theword it modifies.

According to example kits disclosed herein, the kits further include anattachment member for selectively attaching the first tag member withthe second tag member.

According to example kits disclosed herein, the first tag membercomprises a first throughhole, the second tag member comprises a secondthroughhole, and the attachment member projects through the firstthroughhole and the second throughhole to attach together the first tagmember and the second tag member.

According to example kits disclosed herein, the attachment member is akey ring.

According to example kits disclosed herein, the first throughhole islocated proximate an edge of the first tag member and the first tagmember is detachable from the attachment member by applying a pullingforce on the first tag member to tear it from the attachment member.

According to example kits disclosed herein, the first tag member furthercomprises a cutaway portion for receiving the rearview mirror of thevehicle.

According to example kits disclosed herein, the cutaway portion definesa tapered portion extending from an edge of the first tag member and aspaced portion in communication with the tapered portion and having awidth greater than a narrowest width of the tapered portion.

According to example kits disclosed herein, the first tag member isadapted to be adhered to a window and/or windshield of a vehicle.

According to example kits disclosed herein, the first tag member issubstantially flexible.

According to example kits disclosed herein, the at least one firstvisual identifier comprises a first bar code displaying the uniqueidentification code and the at least one second visual identifiercomprises a second bar code displaying the unique identification code.

According to example kits disclosed herein, the at least one firstvisual identifier further comprises a visual number code displaying atleast a portion of the unique identification code and the at least onesecond visual identifier comprises at least a portion of the uniqueidentification code.

According to example kits disclosed herein, the first tag member and thesecond tag member are formed of a recyclable material.

According to example kits disclosed herein, the first tag member and thesecond tag member consist essentially of a recyclable material and saidfirst and second passive RFID tags.

According to example kits disclosed herein, the first tag member and thesecond tag member consist essentially of a recyclable material, an inkand said first and second passive RFID tags.

According to example kits disclosed herein, the first tag member and thesecond tag member consist essentially of a recyclable material and saidfirst and second passive RFID tags.

According to example kits disclosed herein, the first tag member and thesecond tag member consist essentially of paper and said first and secondpassive RFID tags.

According to example kits disclosed herein, the first tag member and thesecond tag member consist essentially of paper, ink and said first andsecond passive RFID tags.

According to example kits disclosed herein, the first tag member and thesecond tag member wherein said identification device consist essentiallyof cardboard and said first and second passive RFID tags.

According to example kits disclosed herein, the first tag member and thesecond tag member wherein said identification device consist essentiallyof cardboard, ink and the first and second passive RFID tags.

According to example methods and example systems disclosed herein, thevehicle tracking operation further associates a second remotely readabletag to the given unique identification code and the method/systemfurther includes updating a current location of a key of the givenvehicle if the second remotely readable tag associated to the givenunique identification code is read by a second of the plurality ofreading devices, the current location of the key being a location of thesecond reading device.

According to example methods and example systems disclosed herein, themethod/system further includes transmitting at least one alert to a userdevice associated to the vehicle tracking operation, the alert providingaccess to information pertaining to the tracking operation.

According to example methods and example systems disclosed herein, afirst of the at least one alert is transmitted upon initializing thevehicle tracking operation.

According to example methods and example systems disclosed herein, thevehicle tracking operation further defines at least one milestonelocation, and wherein if the current location of the given vehiclecorresponds to one of the at least one milestone location, transmittingone of the at least one alert indicating the current location.

According to example methods and example systems disclosed herein, oneof the at least one alert is transmitted upon completing the vehicletracking operation.

According to example methods and example systems disclosed herein,receiving a new vehicle tracking request comprises receiving a vehicleidentifier of the given vehicle and receiving the unique identificationcode.

According to example methods and example systems disclosed herein, thevehicle identifier is received from reading a first machine readableidentifier provided on the given vehicle.

According to example methods and example systems disclosed herein, themachine readable identifier is a bar code provided on the given vehicle.

According to example methods and example systems disclosed herein, theunique identification code is received from reading a second machinereadable visual identifier displaying the given unique identificationcode, the second machine readable visual identifier being displayed onthe second remotely readable tag.

According to example methods and example systems disclosed herein, thesecond machine readable visual identifier is a bar code displayed on thesecond remotely readable tag.

According to example methods and example systems disclosed herein, thenew vehicle tracking request is received as a result of scanning of aRFID of the first remotely readable tag.

According to example methods and example systems disclosed herein, thefirst remotely readable tag is physically coupled to the given vehicleat the time of the manufacturing of the vehicle.

According to example methods and example systems disclosed herein, theRFID is associated to a vehicle identifier of the given vehicle at thetime of the manufacturing of the vehicle.

According to example methods and example systems disclosed herein, thefirst remotely readable tag is physically coupled to the given vehicleat the time of the sale of the vehicle at a dealership.

According to example methods and example systems disclosed herein, theRFID is associated to a vehicle identifier of the given vehicle at thetime of the sale of the vehicle at the dealership.

According to example methods and example systems disclosed herein, thenew vehicle tracking request is received as a result of the RFID beingscanned when the given vehicle is initially driven up to one of theplurality of reading devices.

According to example identification devices and example kits disclosedherein, the pole member is releasably coupled to the base member.

According to example identification devices and example kits disclosedherein, the length of the pole member is of about 30 cm to about 90 cm.

According to example identification devices and example kits disclosedherein, the length of the pole member is of about 30 cm to about 60 cm.

According to example identification devices and example kits disclosedherein, when the base member is attached to the upper region of thevehicle, the identification tag is positioned at a height of about 30 cmto about 90 cm above the roof of the vehicle.

According to example identification devices and example kits disclosedherein, when the base member is attached to the upper region of thevehicle, the identification tag is positioned at a height of about 30 cmto about 60 cm above the roof of the vehicle.

According to example identification devices and example kits disclosedherein, the base member includes a suction cup.

According to example identification devices and example kits disclosedherein, the suction cup is releasably attachable to a windshield of thevehicle or to a roof of a vehicle.

According to example identification devices and example kits disclosedherein, the suction cup is adapted to maintain a binding with thewindshield or to the roof of a vehicle at a temperature of less than −10degrees Celsius.

According to example identification devices and example kits disclosedherein, the suction cup is adapted to maintain a binding with thewindshield or the roof of a vehicle at a temperature of about −40degrees Celsius to about 50 degrees Celsius.

According to example identification devices and example kits disclosedherein, the suction cup is releasably attachable to the roof of avehicle.

According to example identification devices and example kits disclosedherein, wherein the base member comprises a clip adapted to be mountedover a top edge of a scrollable window of the vehicle.

According to example identification devices and example kits disclosedherein, the clip comprises a first leg and a second leg opposite thefirst leg and wherein the pole member extends from the first leg.

According to example identification devices and example kits disclosedherein, the clip is mounted to the scrollable window through a pinchingof the clip between the scrollable window and a bottom side of a roof ofthe vehicle.

According to example identification devices and example kits disclosedherein, wherein the pole member is substantially flexible.

According to example identification devices and example kits disclosedherein, the pole member is resistant to temperatures below −10 degreesCelsius.

According to example identification devices and example kits disclosedherein, pole member is resistant to temperature of about −40 degreesCelsius to about 50 degrees Celsius.

According to example identification devices and example kits disclosedherein, the devices/kits further included a light connected thereto.

According to example identification devices and example kits disclosedherein, the pole member is connected to said base member at a first endand said light is connected to said pole member at a second end.

According to example identification devices and example kits disclosedherein, the devices/kits further include a receiver in signalcommunication with the light, the receiver being associated to a uniqueidentification code and being configured to illuminate the light when asignal corresponding to the unique identification code is receivedthereat.

According to example identification devices and example kits disclosedherein, the identification tag is an RFID tag being associated to aunique identification code and the light is configured to be illuminatedwhen the RFID tag is queried by a signal corresponding to the uniqueidentification code.

According to example methods disclosed herein, the remotely readable tagis positioned at a height of at least 15 centimeters above the upperregion of the vehicle.

According to example methods disclosed herein, the remotely readable tagis positioned at a height of at least 30 centimeters above the upperregion of the vehicle.

According to example methods disclosed herein, the remotely readable tagis positioned at a height of at about 30 centimeters to about 90centimeters above the upper region of the vehicle.

According to example methods disclosed herein, the remotely readable tagis positioned at a height of about 30 centimeters to about 60centimeters above the upper region of the vehicle.

According to example methods disclosed herein, the upper regioncomprises one or more of a hood, side mirror, front windshield, rearwindshield, side windows, roof and truck door of the vehicle.

According to example methods disclosed herein, the base member includesa suction cup, the method further includes adhering a suction cup to awindshield of the vehicle.

According to example methods disclosed herein, the base member includesa suction cup, the method further includes adhering a suction cup to aroof of the vehicle.

According to example methods disclosed herein, the base member includesa clip, the method further includes scrolling down a side window of thevehicle, mounting the clip over a top edge of the side window, andscrolling up the side window to pinch the clip between a top edge of thewindow and an inner surface of a roof of the vehicle.

According to example methods disclosed herein, the method furtherincludes positioning the remotely readable tag to the distal end of thepole member.

According to example methods disclosed herein, the method furtherincludes attaching a light to the pole member, the light beingconfigured to be illuminated when a receiver in signal communicationwith the light receives a signal corresponding to a uniqueidentification code associated to the receiver.

According to example methods disclosed herein, the method furtherincludes attaching a light to the pole member, the light beingconfigured to be illuminated when the identification tag in signalcommunication with the light is queried by a signal corresponding to aunique identification code associated to the receiver.

According to example methods disclosed herein, the light is attached toa distal end of the pole member.

According to example methods and example systems disclosed herein, themethod/system further includes setting the absence permission for thegiven unique identification code to temporarily allowed for apredetermined amount of time in response to receiving an event command,reading at one of the at least one boundary reading devices a firstinstance of the remotely readable tag associated to the given uniqueidentification code, in response to the reading of the first instance,trigger a timer associated to the given unique identifier, transmittingan alert if the timer exceeds the predetermined amount of time.

According to example methods and example systems disclosed herein, themethod/system further includes reading at one of the at least oneboundary reading devices a second instance of the remotely readable tagassociated to the given unique identifier and in response to the readingof the second instance, terminating the timer.

According to example methods and example systems disclosed herein, inresponse to the reading of the second instance, setting the absencepermission for the given unique identification code to disallowed.

According to example methods and example systems disclosed herein, theevent command comprises an event type and wherein the predeterminedamount of time of the timer is selected based on the event type.

According to example methods and example systems disclosed herein, theevent type is chosen from a client test drive, a maintenance test drive,an off-site servicing, and a courtesy rental.

According to example identification device disclosed herein, the firsttag member, the second tag member, and the third tag member aredisposable.

According to example identification device disclosed herein, the firsttag member, the second tag member, and the third tag member arerecyclable.

According to example identification device disclosed herein, the thirdtag member is free of an RFID tag.

According to example identification device disclosed herein, the secondtag member is tearable from first tag member.

According to example identification device disclosed herein, the thirdtag member is tearable from the first tag member.

According to example identification device disclosed herein, saididentification device is made of a recyclable material.

According to example identification device disclosed herein, saididentification device consists essentially of a recyclable material andsaid first and second passive RFID tags.

According to example identification device disclosed herein, saididentification device consists essentially of a recyclable material, anink and said first and second passive RFID tags.

According to example identification device disclosed herein, saididentification device consists essentially of a recyclable material andsaid first and second passive RFID tags.

According to example identification device disclosed herein, saididentification device consists essentially of paper and said first andsecond passive RFID tags.

According to example identification device disclosed herein, saididentification device consists essentially of paper, ink and said firstand second passive RFID tags.

According to example identification device disclosed herein, saididentification device consists essentially of cardboard and said firstand second passive RFID tags.

According to example identification device disclosed herein, saididentification device consists essentially of cardboard, ink and thefirst and second passive RFID tags.

Referring now to FIG. 1, therein illustrated is perspective view of anexterior identification device 2 according to a first exemplaryembodiment having been attached to a vehicle 8. The identification 2includes a base member 4 adapted to be attached to an upper region 16 ofthe vehicle 8.

The upper region 16 of the vehicle 8 as used herein refers to a regionproximate a roof of the vehicle. For example, in a road passengervehicle, the upper region 16 may include the hood, the side mirrors, thefront windshield, the rear windshield, the side windows, the roof, andthe trunk door of the vehicle.

The exterior identification device 2 further includes a pole member 24adapted to extend from the base member 4. For example, the pole member24 may be any elongated member having a first end 32 and a second end40.

According to one exemplary embodiment, the pole member 24 has a minimumlength of about 15 centimeters.

According to one exemplary embodiment, the pole member 24 has a minimumlength of about 30 centimeters to about 60 centimeters.

According to one exemplary embodiment, the pole member 24 has a lengthof about 30 cm to about 60 cm.

According to one exemplary embodiment, the pole member 24 has anadjustable length, such as being telescoping, wherein the full extendedlength of the pole member 24 is of about 30 centimeters to about 90centimeters. For example, the full extended length of the pole member 24is of about 30 centimeters to about 60 centimeters.

For example, the pole member 24 may be formed of a substantiallyflexible material, such as a soft plastic. For example, the pole member24 may be formed of a substantially durable material that resistsbreaking in winds having a velocity greater than 50 kilometers per hour.For example, the pole member 24 may be formed of a substantiallytemperature resistant material that retains its flexible and durableproperties in temperatures of below −10 degrees Celsius. For example,the pole member 24 is substantially flexible and durable in temperaturesin of about −40 degrees Celsius to about 50 degrees Celsius.

According to various exemplary embodiments, the pole member 24 isreleasably coupled at its first end 32 to the base member 4. Forexample, the pole member 24 and the base member 4 are coupled when usedin a tracking operation. The pole member 24 and the base member 4 canthen be uncoupled for easier storage when not being used. For example,the first end 32 may be a proximal end of the pole member 24.

According to various exemplary embodiments, the pole member 24 ispermanently attached to the base member 4. For example, the pole member24 and the base member 4 may be integrally formed, such as being molded.

The base member 4 is releasably attachable to the upper region of thevehicle such that when the pole member 24 is further coupled thereto,the pole member 24 has a substantially upright position with the vehicle8. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the pole member 24 issubstantially vertical. Accordingly, when so attached, the second end 40is positioned at a height of at least 15 centimeters above a top surfaceof the upper region 16 of the vehicle 8. For example, the second end 40of the pole member 24 is positioned at about 30 centimeters to about 90centimeters above the top surface of the upper region 16 of the vehicle.For example, the second end 40 of the pole member 24 is positioned atabout 30 centimeters to about 60 centimeters above the top surface ofthe upper region 16 of the vehicle. For example, the second end 40 maybe a distal end of the pole member 24.

According to one exemplary embodiment, the base member 4 includes asuction cup for releasable attachment to the upper region of the vehicle8 by negative fluid pressure. For example, the suction cup can beattached to a non-porous surface of the vehicle 8, such as the front,side or rear windshield of the vehicle 8. For example, the suction cupcan be attached to the roof of the vehicle 8. For example, the size ofthe suction cup is chosen so that the suction cup of the base member 4can maintain an attachment with the windshield of the vehicle 8 attemperatures of below −10 degrees Celsius. For example, the suction cupcan maintain an attachment with the windshield of the vehicle 8 attemperatures of about −40 degrees Celsius to about 50 degrees Celsius.

Referring now to FIG. 2, therein illustrated is a side elevation view ofthe exterior identification device 2 according to an exemplaryalternative embodiment. According to the exemplary alternativeembodiment, the base member 4 of the exterior identification device 2includes a clip adapted to be mounted over a top edge of a scrollablewindow 48 of the vehicle 8. For example, the clip can be mounted to thescrollable window through pinching of the clip between a top edge of thescrollable window and a bottom surface of a roof of the vehicle 8. Forexample, the clip includes a first leg and a second leg opposite thefirst leg. When mounted onto the scrollable window, the pole member 4extends from the first leg, which is positioned outside of the vehicle8, while the second leg is positioned inside the vehicle.

Referring back to FIGS. 1 and 2, the exterior identification device 2according to the exemplary embodiment or the alternative embodimentfurther includes an identification tag 56 adapted to be read wirelesslyand remotely. The identification tag 56 is positioned on the pole member24 at a predetermined distance from the base member 4. For example, theidentification tag 56 is located at the second end 40 of pole member 24.

Accordingly, the identification tag 56 is located at a predetermineddistance from the base member 4 that substantially corresponds to alength of the pole member 24.

For example, the identification tag 56 is a radio frequencyidentification (RFID) tag. For example, the identification tag 56 is apassive RFID tag. For example, the RFID tag is associated to a uniqueidentification code. For example, when attached to a given vehicle 8,the identification tag 56 may be remotely read at various locationson-site to track the location of the given vehicle 8 according tovarious known methods of vehicle tracking. For example, theidentification code is unique in that no other entry within a vehicletracking operation and system has the same identification code at thesame time.

It will be understood that when the pole member 24 is coupled to thebase member 4 and the base member 4 is further attached to the upperregion 16 of the vehicle 8, the identification tag 56 is positioned at aheight above the upper region 16 of the vehicle 8 corresponding to thelength of the pole member 24. For example, the identification tag 56will be positioned at a height of about 15 centimeters above the upperregion of the vehicle 8. For example, the identification tag 56 will bepositioned at a height of between about 30 centimeters and about 60centimeters above the upper region 16 of the vehicle.

It will be appreciated that positioning the identification tag 56 at apredetermined distance from the base member 4, such as at the second end40 of the pole member 24, causes the identification tag 56 to bepositioned above and away from an outer surface of the vehicle 24.Accordingly, the predetermined distance of the positioning of theidentification tag 56 away from the base member 4 is chosen so that theidentification tag 56 is positioned above and away from snow or ice thatmay accumulate on the outer surface of the vehicle 24 in geographicallocations having colder climates. Unlike an identification tag beingpositioned inside or on the surface of a vehicle 8, the identificationtag 56 of the exemplary exterior identification device 2 can bepositioned so as to not be affected, or affected to a lesser degree, bysnow and/or ice accumulated on the vehicle 24.

According to various exemplary embodiments, including exemplaryembodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the exterior identificationdevice 2 further includes a light 64 connected thereto. For example, thelight 64 is positioned along the length of the pole member 24. Forexample, the light 64 is positioned at the second end 40 of the polemember 24. For example, the light 64 is a strobe light. For example, thelight 64 may be powered by a battery mounted to the pole member 24 orbase member 4 of the exterior identification device 2.

According to one exemplary embodiment, the exterior identificationdevice 2 further includes a receiver in signal communication with thelight 64. The receiver is associated to a unique identification code andis configured to transmit a signal to illuminate the light in responseto receiving a signal corresponding to the unique identification code.

According to one exemplary embodiment, the light 64 is in signalcommunication with the identification tag 56 and is configured to beilluminated when the identification tag 56 is queried by a wirelesssignal corresponding to the unique identification code associated to theidentification tag 56.

For example, the light 64 may be used to assist in visual identificationof the vehicle 8. For example, a user seeking to locate a given vehicle8 within a parking lot having a plurality of vehicles may transmit aquerying signal associated a unique identification code using a suitabledevice. The querying signal is either received at the receiver of theidentification device and/or to power the identification tag 56. Inresponse to receiving the querying signal and/or being powered by it, alight 64 linked to an identification tag 56 having the same uniqueidentification code is illuminated. The user can then visually identifythe light 64 of the exterior identification device 2 attached to thegiven vehicle 8 to further quickly determine the physical position ofthe given vehicle 8.

According to various exemplary embodiments, and as illustrated in FIG.3, the components of the exterior identification device 2 can beprovided as a kit 72. For example, the kit 72 includes the base member4, the pole member 24, and the identification tag 56. The base member isadapted to be releasably attached to an upper region of a vehicle. Thepole member 24 is adapted to be releasably coupled at a first end to thebase member 4. The identification tag 56 is further adapted to bemounted on the pole member and at a predetermined distance from thefirst end 32. For example, the identification tag 56 is adapted to bemounted at the second end 40 of the pole member 24 at a distance awayfrom the first end corresponding to the length of the pole member 24.

According to various exemplary embodiments of a method for mounting aremotely readable tag, the base member 4 is securely attached to theupper region 16 of the vehicle 8.

According to various exemplary embodiments where the base member 4 andthe pole member 24 are provided as discrete members, the pole member 24is further coupled at its proximal end 32 to the base member 4. Forexample, the pole member 24 and the base member 4 may be coupledtogether either before or after attaching the base member 4 to the upperregion 16 of the vehicle 8.

When attaching the base member 4, the pole member 24 is positioned to asubstantially upright position whereby the identification tag 56positioned on the pole member 24 is further positioned at apredetermined height above the top surface of the upper region 16 of thevehicle 8. For example, the pole member 24 is positioned so that theidentification tag 56 is positioned at a height of at least 15centimeters above the top surface of the upper region 16 of the vehicle8. For example, the pole member 24 is positioned so that theidentification tag 56 is positioned at a height of about 30 centimetersto about 90 centimeters above the top surface of the upper region 16 ofthe vehicle 8. For example, the pole member 24 is positioned so that theidentification tag 56 is positioned at a height of about 30 centimetersto about 60 centimeters above the top surface of the upper region 16 ofthe vehicle 8.

According to various exemplary embodiments where the base member 4includes a suction cup, the exemplary method includes attaching thesuction cup to a suitable surface of the upper region 16 of the vehicle.For example, the suction cup is attached to a non-porous surface, suchas a front, side or rear windshield. For example, the suction cup can beattached to the roof of the vehicle 8. In doing so, the pole member 24should still be positioned in a substantially upright position tofurther position the identification tag 56 at a predetermined heightabove the top surface of the upper region 16 of the vehicle 8.

According to various exemplary embodiments where the base member 4includes a clip mountable over a top edge of a scrollable window 48 ofthe vehicle 8, the exemplary method includes scrolling down thescrollable window 48, positioning the clip over a top edge of thescrolled-down window 48 and further scrolling up the scrollable window48 to pinch the clip between the top edge and the inner surface of theroof. In doing so, the pole member 24 should still be positioned in asubstantially upright position to further position the identificationtag 56 at a predetermined height above the top surface of the upperregion 16 of the vehicle 8.

For example, where the base member 4, the pole member 24 and theidentification tag 56 are provided as a kit, the exemplary methodfurther includes attaching the identification tag 56 to the distal end40 of the pole member 24. The identification tag 56 may be attachedbefore or after attaching pole member 24 to the base member 4. Theidentification tag 56 may be attached before or after attaching the basemember 4 to the upper region 16 of the vehicle 8.

According to various exemplary embodiments, the exemplary method furtherincludes attaching a light 64 to the pole member 24. The light 64 isattached along the length of the pole member 24 at a predetermineddistance from the first end 32 of the pole member 24. For example, thepredetermined distance corresponds to a thickness of snow and/or icethat may accumulate on the surface of the upper region 16 of thevehicle. For example, the light 64 is attached to the second end 40 ofthe pole member 24. The method may further include configuring the lightso as to be illuminated when a receiver connected to the light 64receives a signal corresponding to a unique identification codeassociated to the receiver. Alternatively, the light 64 may be connectedto the identification tag 56 so as to be illuminated when theidentification tag 56 is queried by a signal corresponding to a uniqueidentification code associated to the identification tag 56.

It has been observed that tracking both the stock of vehicles on-siteand their respective paired keys present various challenges when thereare a large number of vehicles on-site or where the inventory ofvehicles is constantly changing. For example, in a maintenance garage, agiven vehicle must be moved between various maintenance stations, whichrequire multiple uses of the key paired to the given vehicle. The givenvehicle may be serviced by multiple technicians at the same time.Furthermore, a maintenance technician may be servicing multiple vehiclessimultaneously. There is therefore a heightened possibility ofmisplacing keys of one or more vehicles.

Referring now to FIG. 4A, therein illustrated is a plan view of aninterior identification device 100 according to one exemplaryembodiment. The interior identification device 100 includes a first tagmember 108. The first tag member 108 may be for mounting onto a rearviewmirror of a road passenger vehicle. For example, the first tag member108 includes a cutaway portion 116 defined in part by a hook portion 124and a cut 132. A neck of a rearview mirror may be inserted via the cut132 into the cutaway portion 116 and the first tag member 108 may behung from the neck of the rearview mirror while being supported by thehook portion 124. Alternatively, the first tag member 108 may have anadhesive portion, and the first tag member may be adhered to a windowand/or windshield of the vehicle or to a rearview mirror of the vehicle.

The first tag member 108 further has formed thereon a first visualidentifier 140 displaying a unique identification code. For example, theunique identification code “9999” is illustrated. For example, theidentification code is unique in that no other entry within a vehicletracking operation and system has the same identification code at thesame time.

The first tag member 108 further has coupled thereto a first passiveRFID tag 148 that is associated to the unique identification code.

The interior identification device 100 further includes a second tagmember 156 that is detachably coupled to the first tag member 108. Thesecond tag member 156 is adapted to be mounted onto a key of a vehicle.For example, the second tag member 156 includes one or more throughholes164 for passing therethrough a loop of a keychain.

The second tag member 156 also has formed thereon a second visualidentifier 172 displaying the unique identification code. For example,as illustrated, the unique identification code “9999” is also displayedon the second tag member 156.

The second tag member 156 further has coupled thereto a second passiveRFID tag 180 that is associated to the same unique identification codeas the first passive RFID tag 148.

The interior identification device 100 further includes a third tagmember 188 that is detachably coupled to the first tag member 108. Thethird tag member 188 also has formed thereon a third visual identifier196 displaying the unique identification code. For example, the thirdtag member 188 is free of (i.e. does not include) a RFID tag.

The interior identification device 100 is manufactured as a singlecontinuous body. For example, the interior identification device 100 isformed of an easily disposable material. For example, the interioridentification device 100 is substantially formed of a recyclablematerial, such as paper or cardboard. When manufactured, perforatedlines are formed on the single continuous body of the interioridentification device 100 to define the first tag member 156 and thedetachable second and third tag members 156, 188. For example, thesecond tag member 156 and the third tag member 188 can be torn from thefirst tag member 108.

For example, the identification device can consist essentially of arecyclable material and the first and second passive RFID tags.

For example, the identification device can consist essentially of arecyclable material, an ink and the first and second passive RFID tags.

For example, the identification device can consist essentially of paperor cardboard and the first and second passive RFID tags.

For example, the identification device can consist essentially of paperor cardboard, ink and the first and second passive RFID tags.

By having the first, second and third tag members 108, 156, and 188 forma single continuous body, a tracking entry for a given vehicle can beeasily created within an automated vehicle tracking operation andsystem. For example, when a customer brings his or her vehicle to beserviced, the interior identification device 100 can be readily providedto be used in tracking the vehicle during service. For example, theunique identification code of the interior identification device 100 canbe associated with a unique identifier of the vehicle (ex: license platenumber, vehicle identification number (VIN), etc.) within the automatedvehicle tracking operation and system. The second tag member 156 canthen be detached from the first member 108 and attached to the key ofthe vehicle to be serviced. The third tag member 156 can then beattached from the first member 108 and given to the customer. The thirdtag member 188 may represent a claim check for the customer.Accordingly, an RFID tag is not provided on the third tag member 188 astracking of the third tag member 188 is not necessary.

When the second tag member 156 and the third tag member 188 are tornfrom the first tag member 108, the first tag member 108 forms a singlecontinuous physical element that includes the first visual identifier140 and the first RFID tag 148. Accordingly, the first tag member 108provides within a single physical element the means to both visuallyidentify and wirelessly remotely identify a vehicle that has the firsttag member 108 placed therein. Similarly, the second tag member 156 alsoprovides within a single physical element the means to both visuallyidentify and wirelessly remotely identify keys of the vehicle having thefirst tag member 108 placed therein.

Referring now to FIG. 4B, therein illustrated is a plan view of anunassembled first tag member 608 according to one exemplary embodimentof an identification kit. The first tag member 608 is adapted to bemounted onto a rearview mirror of a road passenger vehicle. Theunassembled first tag member 608 includes a body portion 616 having afirst side portion 624 and a second side portion 632. The first sideportion 624 defines a first cutaway 636 and the second side portion 632defines a second cutaway 640. The first side portion may further definea first throughhole 641. Similarly, the second side portion may furtherdefine a second throughhole 642.

The first cutaway 636 may include a tapered portion having a graduallynarrowing width extending from an edge 644 of the first side portion624. The tapered portion may further extend into a spaced portion havinga width greater than the narrowest width of the tapered portion.Similarly, the second cutaway 640 may also include a tapered portionhaving a gradually narrowing width extending from an edge 648 of thesecond side portion 632. The tapered portion of the second side portion632 may also extend into a spaced portion having a width greater thanthe narrowest width of the tapered portion.

The first tag member 608 may be assembled by folding the first sideportion 624 against the second side portion 632 so that the cutawayportions 636 and 640 are aligned. Similarly, the first throughhole 641and the second throughhole 642 are aligned.

When assembled, aligned cutaway portions 636, 640 form a single cutaway.A neck of a review mirror of the vehicle may be inserted into thecutaway so as to hang the first tag member 608 from the rearview mirror.

Also when assembled, aligned first throughhole 641 and secondthroughhole 642 form a single throughhole. The single throughhole canreceive an attachment member.

At least one of an outer face 650 of the first side portion 624 and anouter face 652 of the second side portion 632 has formed thereon atleast one visual identifier displaying a unique identification code. Forexample, and as illustrated, the outer face 650 has a first visualidentifier 654 and the outer face 652 has a second visual identifier656. Both visual identifiers 654 and 656 are the same and display thesame unique identification code. For example, the visual identifier is amachine readable identifier, such as bar code. The bar code may be athree dimensional bar code. The visual identifier may encode the uniqueidentification code. For example, and as illustrated, the bar codes 654,656 each encode the value “0820140000001”.

At least one of an outer face 650 of the first side portion 624 and anouter face 652 of the second side portion 632 further has formed thereonanother visual identifier 660 that is a visual human-identifiable code.The visual human-identifiable code refers to a code that may be readilyidentified by a human user, such as an Arabic number, Roman numerals,alpha-numeric code, or other number or character system identifiable toa human. The human-identifiable code may include at least a portion ofthe unique identification code. For example, the human identifiablevisual identifier 660 displays Arabic numbers “0001” corresponding tothe last 4 digits of the unique identification code.

The first tag member 608 further includes a RFID tag 610. The RFID tag610 may be a passive RFID tag 610. The RFID tag 610 allows the first tagmember 608 to be remotely read by a suitable RFID reader. For example,the RFID tag 610 may be coupled to one of an inner face of the firstside portion 624 and an inner face of the second side portion 632.Accordingly, when the first tag member 608 is assembled, the RFID tag610 is disposed between the first side portion 624 and the second sideportion 632.

According to various exemplary embodiments, the RFID tag 610 may beassociated to the unique identification code. The RFID tag 610 may bepreprogramed to have the same value as the unique identification code ofthe first tag member 608.

According to other exemplary embodiments, the RFID tag 610 may bewritable.

According to yet other exemplary embodiments, the RFID tag 610 may bepreprogrammed with a value that is different from the uniqueidentification code. Accordingly, the RFID value may be associated withthe displayed unique identification code within a vehicle trackingsystem 208 during a vehicle tracking operation, as described elsewhereherein.

For example, the first tag member 608 is substantially flexible to allowflexing to receive the neck of a review mirror within its cutaway.

For example, the first tag member 608 is formed of a tearable materialto permit tearing of a portion of the first tag member 608. Accordingly,the first tag member 608 may be detached from an attachment memberreceived in its throughhole by applying a pulling force on the first tagmember 608 to tear it from the attachment member.

For example, the first tag member 608 can consist essentially of arecyclable material and its RFID tag.

For example, the first tag member 608 can consist essentially of arecyclable material, an ink and its RFID tag.

For example, the first tag member 608 can consist essentially of paperor cardboard and its RFID tag.

For example, the first tag member 608 can consist essentially of paperor cardboard, ink and its RFID tag.

Referring now to FIG. 4C, therein illustrated is a plan view of anunassembled second tag member 708 according to one exemplary embodimentof an identification kit. The second tag member 708 is adapted to beattached to a key of a vehicle. The unassembled second tag member 708includes a body portion 716 having a first side portion 724 and a secondside portion 732. The first side portion 724 defines a first throughhole741. Similarly, the second side portion may further define a secondthroughhole 742.

The second tag member 708 may be assembled by folding the second sideportion 724 against the second side portion 732. For example, assemblyof the second tag member 708 causes the first through 741 and the secondthroughhole 742 to be aligned, thereby forming a single throughhole.

At least one of an outer face 750 of the first side portion 724 and anouter face 752 of a second side portion 732 has formed thereon at leastone visual identifier 754 displaying a unique identification code. Forexample, the visual identifier is a machine readable identifier, such asa bar code. The bar code may be a three-dimensional bar code. The visualidentifier may encode the unique identification code. When providedwithin a single identification kit, the unique identification code ofthe second tag member 708 may have a correspondence to the uniqueidentification code of the first tag member 608. However, the firstvisual identifier may be different from the second identifier. Forexample, and as illustrated, the bar code 754 also encodes the value“0820140000001”, but further includes the character “k” to denote thatthe unique identification code is for the second tag member 708.

At least one of an outer face 750 of the first side portion 724 and anouter face 752 of the second side portion 732 further has formed thereonanother visual identifier 760 that is a visual human-identifiable code.The visual human-identifiable code refers to a code that may be readilyidentified by a human user, such as an Arabic number, Roman numerals,alpha-numeric code, or other number or character system identifiable toa human. The human-identifiable code may include at least a portion ofthe unique identification code. For example, the human-identifiablevisual identifier 760 displays Arabic numbers “0001” corresponding tothe last 4 digits of the unique identification code and alsocorresponding to the visual identifier 660 of the first tag member 608.

The second tag member 708 further includes a RFID tag 710. The RFID tag710 may be a passive RFID tag. The RFID tag 710 allows the second tagmember 708 to be remotely read by a suitable RFID reader. For example,the RFID tag 710 may be coupled to one of an inner face of the firstside portion 724 and an inner face of the second side portion 732.Accordingly, when the second tag member 708 is assembled, the RFID tag710 is disposed between the first side portion 724 and the second sideportion 732.

According to various exemplary embodiments, the RFID tag of the secondtag member 708 may be preprogramed to have the same value as the uniqueidentification code of the second tag member 708.

According to other exemplary embodiments, the RFID tag 710 may bewritable.

According to yet other exemplary embodiments, the RFID tag 710 may bepreprogrammed with a value that is different from the uniqueidentification code. Accordingly, the RFID value may be associated withthe displayed unique identification code within a vehicle trackingsystem 208 during a vehicle tracking operation, as described elsewhereherein.

For example, the second tag member 708 can consist essentially of arecyclable material and its RFID tag.

For example, the second tag member 708 can consist essentially of arecyclable material, an ink and its RFID tag.

For example, the second tag member 708 can consist essentially of paperor cardboard and its RFID tag.

For example, the second tag member 708 can consist essentially of paperor cardboard, ink and its RFID tag.

According to various exemplary embodiments, the assembled second tagmember 708 is substantially smaller than the first tag member 608. Thefirst tag member 608 being larger allows it to be appropriately coupledto the rearview mirror of a vehicle. Furthermore, larger sized visualidentifier 654, 656 and second visual identifier 660 allows theidentifier to be read from a larger distance. By contrast, the secondtag member 708 being smaller allows it to be easily transported. Thesecond tag member 708 is intended to be attached to the key of a vehicleand its small size promotes carrying with the key.

Referring now to FIG. 4D, therein illustrated is a plan view of anidentification kit 780. The identification kit 780 includes at least thefirst tag member 608 and the second tag member 708. As illustrated, thefirst tag member 608 and second tag member 708 may be attached together.However, it will be understood that the first tag member 608 and thesecond tag member 708 may be provided separately.

For example, and as further illustrated, the first tag member 608 andthe second tag member 708 are attached using an attachment member 782.As illustrated, the attachment member 782 attaches the first tag member608 and the second tag member 708 through their respective throughholes.The attachment member 782 may be a keychain ring but may be any othersuitable member for attaching the second tag member 708 to the key of avehicle.

When used, the first attachment member 782 may be torn from theattachment member 782 and coupled to a rearview mirror a vehicle to betracked. The attachment member 782 is then attached to the keys for thatvehicle, thereby attaching the second tag member 708 to the key.

For example, FIG. 5 illustrates a schematic diagram showing the secondtag member 708 being attached to a vehicle key 197 and the first tagmember 608 being mounted onto the rear view mirror of a vehicle 198.

It has been observed that the possibility of vehicles temporarilyleaving the tracked premises requires tracking not of only vehicleson-site but also when the vehicles are being brought temporarilyoff-site. For example, improper tracking creates risks of tampering,such as theft of vehicles.

It has also been observed that the high number of vehicles on site andthe high number of keys may cause misplacement of keys. This mayespecially the case where vehicles of the same make or model are presentand the keys of these vehicles closely resemble one another.

Referring now to FIG. 6, therein illustrated is a schematic diagram ofan exemplary vehicle tracking system 200 for tracking vehicles.

The vehicle tracking system 200 includes a tracking management system208. The embodiments of the tracking management system 208 and methodsperformed thereon described herein may be implemented in hardware orsoftware, or a combination of both. However, preferably, theseembodiments are implemented in computer programs executing onprogrammable computers, each comprising at least one processor, a datastorage system (including volatile and non-volatile memory and/orstorage elements), at least one input device, and at least one outputdevice. For example and without limitation, the programmable computersmay be a mainframe computer, server, personal computer, laptop, personaldata assistant, or cellular telephone. Program code is applied to inputdata to perform the functions described herein and generate outputinformation. The output information is applied to one or more outputdevices in known fashion.

Each program is preferably implemented in a high level procedural orobject oriented programming and/or scripting language to communicatewith a computer system. However, the programs can be implemented inassembly or machine language, if desired. In any case, the language maybe a compiled or interpreted language. Each such computer program ispreferably stored on a storage media or a device (e.g. ROM or magneticdiskette) readable by a general or special purpose programmable computerfor configuring and operating the computer when the storage media ordevice is read by the computer to perform the procedures describedherein. The inventive system may also be considered to be implemented asa computer-readable storage medium, configured with a computer program,where the storage medium so configured causes a computer to operate in aspecific and predefined manner to perform the functions describedherein.

Furthermore, the system, processes and methods of the describedembodiments of the tracking management system 208 are capable of beingdistributed in a computer program product comprising a computer readablemedium that bears computer-usable instructions for one or moreprocessors. The medium may be provided in various forms including one ormore diskettes, compact disks, tapes, chips, wireline transmissions,satellite transmissions, internet transmission or downloadings, magneticand electronic storage media, digital and analog signals, and the like.The computer-usable instructions may also be in various forms includingcompiled and non-compiled code.

The vehicle tracking system 200 further includes one or more portablereaders 216 for reading remotely readable tags, such as RFID tags. Thesemay be RFID tag of the first tag member 108, 608 and/or the RFID tag ofthe second tag member 156, 708.

The vehicle tracking system 200 further includes one or more stationaryreaders for reading the remotely readable tags. The stationary readersare classified into non-boundary readers and boundary readers. Forexample, the exemplary vehicle tracking system 200 has first and secondstationary non-boundary readers 224, 228 and first and second stationaryboundary readers 232, 236.

The tracking management system 208 includes an entry management module244 for managing vehicle tracking entries. Each vehicle tracking entrymay correspond to a vehicle being brought on-site and for which thelocation of the vehicle is to be tracked. For example, each vehicletracking entry may include a tracking entry number, a unique identifierof the vehicle (ex: license plate or vehicle identification number(VIN)), vehicle information, and a current location of the vehicle. Forexample, the tracking entry number for a given vehicle tracking entrycorresponds to the unique identification code associated to a remotereadable tag placed in or on the vehicle corresponding to the givenvehicle tracking entry. For example, the remote readable tag may befound in the exterior identification device 2 or identification 2described herein according to various exemplary embodiments.

The tracking management system 208 can be in signal communication withone or more on-site service provider terminals, such as first on-siteservice provider terminal 252 and second on-site service providerterminal 256. The entry management module 244 can receive from one ofthe on-site service provider terminals 252, 256 a request to create avehicle tracking entry for tracking the location of a given vehiclebeing brought on-site. The vehicle tracking entry request may includethe unique identifier of the given vehicle and a unique identificationcode of a remote readable tag attached to the given vehicle to be usedfor tracking the vehicle. The vehicle tracking entry creation requestmay further include one or more maintenance actions to be performed onthe given vehicle. More information for the given vehicle can beretrieved from a database of the tracking management system 208 if suchinformation had previously already been stored.

The tracking management system 208 can be in signal communication withone or more on-site customer terminals 260. The tracking managementsystem 208 can transmit to the on-site customer terminal 260 informationrelevant to a customer, such as the owner of the given vehicle beingserviced. This information may include a current location of the vehiclewithin the tracking site. This information may also include remainingtasks that need to be completed and an estimated time remaining untilcompletion of maintenance tasks.

The tracking management system 208 can be in signal communication withone or more off-site terminals, such as first off-site terminal 264 andsecond off-site terminal 268. For example, off-site terminals may be anyelectronic device operable to receive information from the trackingmanagement system 208 (over a suitable network, such as the Internet.The tracking system 208 can transmit at least one alert to the off-siteterminals 264, 268 information relevant to a customer, such as the ownerof the given vehicle being serviced. This information may also includeremaining tasks that need to be completed and an estimated timeremaining until completion of maintenance tasks.

The off-site terminal 264, 268 may be any electronic user deviceoperable to receive electronic information, such as a cell phone,smartphone, tablet, game console, laptop, or desktop. The alert may besent as a text message, email, or other suitable electronic messagingtype. The alert provides access to information pertaining to a trackingoperation. For example, the alert may include a link, such as ahyperlink, for accessing the information, such as via a webpage.Alternatively or additionally, a tracking number may be provided withinthe alert. Entering the tracking number in a web portal accessed by theuser device then allows further access to the information pertaining tothe tracking operation.

The at least one alert may also be sent to one or more on-site serviceprovider terminals 252, 256. For example, the service provider terminalmay be a device being used by an on-site agent, such as a customerrepresentative agent. The device may also be a cell phone, smartphone,tablet, laptop, desktop, or other portable device. Accordingly, theagent may be kept up-to-date with the status of a vehicle within avehicle tracking operation.

According to various exemplary embodiments, the tracking managementsystem 208 may further include one or more visual identifier readers,such as first visual identifier reader 282 and second visual identifierreader 282. The one or more visual identifier readers are operable toread machine-readable visual identifiers to obtain the code encoded inthe identifiers. For example, the one or more visual identifier readersare bar code readers and are operable to identify the code encoded inbar codes.

The tracking management system 208 can receive from the portable reader216 the value (ex: unique identification code) of a remotely readabletag that is read. The vehicle tracking system 200 also receives from theportable reader 216 a location of the portable reader 216 at the timethat the remotely readable tag is being read. By receiving the value andthe location, and matching the value with a stored vehicle trackingentry associated thereto, the tracking management system 208 can updatethe current location information associated to the vehicle trackingentry.

Referring now to FIG. 7, therein illustrated is a schematic diagram ofan exemplary tracked premises 300 on which a plurality of vehicles arestored and a plurality of stationary non boundary readers and stationaryboundary readers are located. As illustrated, the first stationarynon-boundary reader 224 is positioned within a washbay of the trackedpremises 300 and the second stationary non-boundary reader 228 ispositioned within a service area of the tracked premises 300. As furtherillustrated, first stationary boundary reader 232, second stationaryboundary reader 236, third stationary boundary reader 237, and fourthstationary boundary reader 238 are located at exit points of the trackedpremises 300, such as garage doors of the tracked premises 300.

The tracking management system 208 can receive from the stationarynon-boundary readers 224, 228 the value (ex: unique identification code)of a remotely readable tag that is read. For example, the stationarynon-boundary readers 224, 228 may each correspond to different physicalsub-locations of the tracked premises 300. The tracking managementsystem 208 can update the current location of the vehicle associated tothe value that is read based on which stationary non-boundary reader itreceives the code from and based on a known location of that stationarynon-boundary reader. Alternatively, the tracking management system 200can also update the current location of key of a vehicle associated tothe value if the remotely readable tag that is read is attached to akey.

The tracking management system 208 can receive from the stationaryboundary readers 232, 236, 237, 238 the value (ex: unique identificationcode) associated to a remotely readable tag that is read.

According to various exemplary embodiments, the tracking managementsystem 208 is configured to track the location of a vehicle on thetracking site, including tracking absences of the vehicle from thetracked premises 300. Accordingly, the tracking management system 208includes an absence monitoring sub-module 272 for tracking absences ofvehicles from the tracked premises 300 and an alerting module 280 fortransmitting an alert when a given vehicle's absence from the trackingsite has exceeded a permitted absence.

When a new vehicle tracking request for a given vehicle is received atthe request management module 244, an entry is made at the absencemonitoring sub-module 272 to set an initial absence permission for thegiven vehicle to disallowed. For example, for a vehicle entry beingassociated to the unique identification code associated to the remotelyreadable tag placed on or in the given vehicle, the initial absencepermission for that unique identification code is set to disallowed.

The absence monitor sub-module 272 further receives readings of values(ex: unique identification codes) associated to remotely readable tagsmade by one or more of the stationary boundary readers 232, 236, 237,and 238. It will be appreciated that a reading of a remotely readabletag by a stationary boundary reader represents a situation where avehicle physically containing the remotely readable tag is entering orleaving the tracked premises. Where the vehicle is expected to alreadybe located on the tracked premises, a reading at any one of thestationary boundary reader represents a situation where a vehicle isleaving the tracked premises.

When a reading of a remotely readable tag is received, the absencemonitoring sub-module 272 checks whether the absence permission for thevehicle tracking entry associated to that value (ex: uniqueidentification code) is set to allowed. The absence permission for thevehicle tracking entry associated to the read value being set todisallowed indicates that the vehicle carrying the remotely readable tagis leaving the premises without permission.

The alerting module 280 transmits an alert if one of the at least oneboundary reading devices reads the remotely readable tag associated tothe given unique identification code while the absence permission forthe given unique identification code is set to disallowed. For example,the alert may be transmitted to one or more security devices, such assecurity barrier, a security monitoring system, or a portable devicebeing carried by a security guard. For example, the alert may be anyelectronic message indicating a non-permitted absence of a vehicle fromthe premises.

The management module 244 may receive one or more event commandsindicating an event for a given vehicle tracking entry. Such an eventmay be a completion of a particular maintenance task within a list tasksto be completed or the completion of all tasks for the vehicle.

In response to receiving an event command, the absence monitorsub-module 272 may set the absence permission for the given vehicletracking entry or the unique identification code associated thereto totemporarily allowed or permanently allowed based on the type of eventcommand received.

For example, the absence permission may be set to temporarily allowedwhere the vehicle of a vehicle tracking entry is allowed to leave thepremises for a predetermined amount of time. For example, such eventcommands may be a maintenance test drive, a client test drive, anoff-site servicing, or a courtesy rental of a vehicle. In addition tosetting the absence permission to allowed, an allowed amount of time maybe indicated by the absence monitoring sub-module 272. For example, theamount of time may be chosen based on the type of event command, whereindifferent types of events may have different amount of time of allowedabsence.

Where a reading of a remotely readable tag is received and the absencemonitoring sub-module 272 determines that the absence permission for thevehicle tracking entry associated to that remotely readable tag is setto temporarily allowed, the absence monitoring sub-module 272 sets thecurrent status for the vehicle tracking entry associated to the remotelyreadable tag to off-site. Furthermore, the absence monitor sub-module272 triggers the start of a timer associated to the given vehicletracking entry to track the amount of time the vehicle is off-site.

The absence monitoring sub-module 272 further monitors whether thevehicle corresponding to the vehicle tracking entry has returned to thepremises. For example, a further reading of the remotely readable tagassociated to the vehicle tracking entry at any one of the boundaryreaders indicates that the vehicle has returned to the premises. Inresponse, the timer for tracking the amount of time the vehicle isoff-site is turned off. Furthermore, the absence permission for thevehicle is set back to disallowed.

The absence monitoring sub-module 272 further monitors whether thevehicle corresponding to the vehicle tracking entry has been off-sitefor an amount of time that exceeds the permitted amount of time. Wherethe timer associated to the vehicle being off-site exceeds the permittedamount of time, the alerting module sends another alert.

Referring now to FIG. 8A, therein illustrated is a flowchart of thegeneral operational steps of an exemplary method 460 for initializingvehicle tracking. For example, the method 460 may be carried out at thevehicle tracking system 208.

At step 508, a new vehicle tracking request is received for a givenvehicle being associated with a given unique identification code. Forexample, the new vehicle tracking request may be made by a userinteracting with one of the on-site service provider terminals 252, 256.

At step 516, a new vehicle tracking entry 408 is created. For example,the entry may be created by the entry management module 244 and storedat the vehicle tracking system 208.

At step 517, tracking of a vehicle identified by the newly createdvehicle tracking entry 408 may begin.

According to various examples, a first of the alerts may be transmittedto a user device associated to the vehicle being tracked uponinitializing the vehicle tracking operation. The alert may betransmitted to an offsite customer terminal 264, 268. The alert may alsobe transmitted to an on-site service provider terminal 252, 256.

Referring now to FIG. 8B, therein illustrated is a flowchart of thegeneral operational steps of an exemplary detailed method 462 forinitializing vehicle tracking. For example, the method 460 may becarried out at the vehicle tracking system 208.

At step 464, a vehicle identifier is received. The vehicle identifiermay be a unique identifier that identifies a vehicle to be trackedduring the vehicle tracking operation. For example, the vehicleidentifier may be the vehicle identification number (VIN) of thevehicle. The vehicle identifier may be received from a bar code readerscanning a bar code displayed on the vehicle, reading a remote readabletag (ex: embedded RFID) of the vehicle, or a user manually enteringvehicle identification information via an on-site service providerterminal 252, 256.

At step 468, an unique identification code 414 for the trackingoperation is received. For example, the unique identification code 414may be the unique identification code displayed on the first tag memberor second tag member of the exemplary identification kits describedherein. For example, the unique identification code 414 may be receivedfrom a bar code scanner scanning the bar code visual identifier 654, 656of first tag member 608 or visual identifier 754 second tag member 708of an exemplary identification kit 780. For example, the uniqueidentification code 414 may be received in a user request made by a userinteracting with the on-site service provider terminal 252, 256.

The steps 464 and 468 may correspond to sub-steps of step 508 forreceiving a new vehicle tracking request. For example, receiving eithera vehicle identifier at step 464 or receiving the unique identificationcode at step 468 may be understood as receiving a new vehicle trackingrequest.

At step 480, the vehicle identifier received at step 464 is associatedto the unique identification code received at step 468. The associationcreates a logical data link between the vehicle identifier and theunique identification code within the storage of the vehicle trackingsystem 208 such that use of either the vehicle identifier or the uniqueidentification code allows retrieval of the other of the vehicleidentifier and the unique identification code.

At step 484, at least the RFID of the first tag member (108, 608) isassociated to the unique identification code. The association creates alogical data link between the RFID and the unique identification codewithin the storage of the vehicle tracking system 208.

According to various exemplary embodiments, a value of the RFID and theunique identification code are not the same. This may be the case wherethe RFID is preprogrammed to have a unique serial number valueseparately from assignment of the unique identification code of thevisual identifier of the first tag member (108, 608). Accordingly, thevalue of the RFID is associated to the unique identification code withinthe storage of the vehicle tracking system 208. For example, step 484may further include scanning the RFID of the first tag member to readthe value of the RFID so as to permit association of the RFID value withthe unique identification code within the vehicle tracking system 208.

According to other exemplary embodiments, the value of the RFID and theunique identification code are equal. This may be the case where theRFID is preprogrammed at the time of the fabrication of the first tagmember 108, 608 to have the same identifier value as the uniqueidentification code of the visual identifier of the first tag member108, 608. Accordingly, the value of the RFID tag is associated to theunique identification code as a result of their having the same value.

According to yet other exemplary embodiments, the RFID is writable.Accordingly, associating the RFID of the first tag member 108, 608includes writing a value to the RFID and associating this value to theunique identification code. For example, the written value may be equalto the unique identification code.

Step 484 may also include associating the RFID of the second tag member156, 708 to the unique identification code. In this case, the second tagmember 156, 708 may have a unique identification code corresponding tothe unique identification code of the first tag member 108, 608.Associating the value of the RFID of the second tag member 156, 708 tothe unique identification code may be carried out in a similar way asassociating the value RFID of the first tag member 108, 608 to theunique identification code, as described herein.

Referring now to FIG. 8C, therein illustrated is a flowchart of thegeneral operational steps of an exemplary method 492 for preparing avehicle for use in a vehicle tracking operation.

At step 493, a remotely readable tag having a RFID is physically coupledto a vehicle to be tracked. Physically coupling herein refers to theremotely readable tag being joined to the vehicle such that it isdisplaced with the displacing of the vehicle. Accordingly, a location ofthe remotely readable tag represents a location of the vehicle.

At step 494, the value of the RFID is associated to the vehicleinformation number of the vehicle to be tracked. The associating may bemade in a database, such as a storage device of the tracking managementsystem 208.

Initializing of the vehicle tracking is carried out according to method460 or method 462 as described herein.

It will be appreciated that the steps 493, 494 and method 460 withinmethod 492 may be carried out in a different order than as illustratedin the example of FIG. 8C.

For example, the remotely readable tag that is physically coupled to thevehicle is the first readable tag 108, 608 as described herein.Accordingly, the RFID and/or visual identifier 654, 656 is first scanned(ex: at step 508 and 472) during initialization of the vehicle tracking.The value of the RFID of the first readable tag 108, 608 may also beassociated to the vehicle identification number through the associationto the unique identification code. The first readable tag having theRFID is then physically coupled to the vehicle, such as being adhered toor hung onto the rearview mirror, window and/or windshield.

In another example, the RFID is physically coupled to the given vehicleat the time of the manufacturing of the vehicle. The RFID may beembedded in the vehicle. The value of the RFID can also be associated tothe vehicle identification number at that time. Accordingly, the vehicleis prepared for use in a vehicle tracking operation when beingmanufactured. It will be appreciated that this may be well in advance ofany vehicle tracking operation. Subsequently, the RFID may be scanned ata dealership or maintenance garage having access to the stored RFIDvalue and vehicle identification number. This scanning of the RFID maycause the transmitting of a vehicle tracking request, which is receivedat the tracking management system 208 at step 508. For example, the newvehicle tracking request is received as a result of the RFID beingscanned as the vehicle is initially driven up to a reading device of thedealership or maintenance garage.

In yet another example, the RFID is physically coupled to the givenvehicle at the time of the delivering of the vehicle from a dealership.This may correspond to a vehicle being sold by the dealership. The RFIDmay be associated to the vehicle identification number along withentering of information pertaining to the sale, such as date of sale,owner, location, etc. Accordingly, the vehicle is prepared for use in avehicle tracking operation when being delivered. It will be appreciatedthat this may be well in advance of any vehicle tracking operation.Subsequently, the RFID may be scanned at the dealership or maintenancegarage having access to the stored RFID value and vehicle identificationnumber. This scanning of the RFID may cause the transmitting of avehicle tracking request, which is received at the tracking managementsystem 208 at step 508. For example, the new vehicle tracking request isreceived as a result of the RFID being scanned as the vehicle isinitially driven up to a reading device of the dealership or maintenancegarage.

Referring now to FIG. 9A, therein illustrated is a schematic diagram ofan exemplary data structure 400 a of the tracking management system 208for tracking a status of a vehicle. The data structure 400 includes avehicle tracking entry ID 408 for identifying the vehicle trackingentry. For example, the vehicle tracking entry ID can be unique so as toallow both current tracking and recording historical data. The trackingentry ID 408 can be associated to a unique identifier 416 of a vehicle,the unique identification code 424 of the remotely readable tag carriedby the vehicle (ex: first tag member 108, 608), a current location 428of the vehicle, and an absence permission entry 432 of the vehicle. Insome exemplary embodiments, the vehicle tracking entry ID 408 is theunique identification code, and only one of the tracking ID 408 or theunique identification code entry 424 is provided. The absence permissionentry 432 can be further associated to an absence event type 440 and anallowed timer 448 for the absence event. The absence permission entry432 can be further associated to an ongoing timer 456 that tracks thetime elapsed since the beginning of the timer.

Referring now to FIG. 9B, therein illustrated is a schematic diagram ofanother exemplary data structure 400 b of the tracking management system208 for tracking a status of a vehicle. The data structure 400 b alsoincludes a vehicle tracking ID 408, the unique identifier 416 of thevehicle, the unique identification code 424 and a current location 428of the vehicle. The data structure further includes a RFID value 486 ofthe first tag member 108, 608 and a RFID value 488 of the second tagmember 156, 708. The first RFID value 486 and the second RFID value 488may be different so as to distinguish between which of the RFIDs isbeing read. The data structure 400 b further includes a current keylocation 490. The current key location may be different from the currentvehicle location 428.

It will be appreciated that having a current key location entry 490 anda current vehicle location entry 428 allows tracking the physicallocation of a vehicle and the physical location of the key for thatvehicle. There may be situations where the key become separated from thevehicle. Tracking the location of the keys allows for locating of thekeys in such situations.

In other situations, keys for a plurality of vehicles may be placedtogether. This may be the case where a first set of keys are placedtogether, such as in a container, for a first purpose (ex: car wash),and a second set of keys are placed together elsewhere, such as inanother container, for a second purpose (ex: tire changes). It ispossible that a particular key is placed with the wrong set of keys,which makes finding that particular key difficult. Tracking thelocations of the keys allows quickly locating in which set theparticular key has been placed in cases of misplacement.

According to various exemplary embodiments, data structures 400 a and400 b may be combined. For example, data structure 400 b may alsoinclude entries 432, 440, 448 and 456 to permit tracking of absences ofthe vehicle identified by the vehicle identifier entry 416.

Referring now to FIG. 10, therein illustrated is a flowchart of thegeneral operational steps of an exemplary method 500 for tracking thelocation of a vehicle. For example, the method 500 may be carried out atthe vehicle tracking system 208.

At step 517 a vehicle tracking operation for a given vehicle has beeninitialized.

At step 524, remotely readable tags are intermittently being read, eachtag being associated with a respective unique identification code of thetracking operation. Remotely readable tags are intermittently being readat at least one boundary reading device.

If a remotely readable tag is read by a boundary reading device at step524, the method proceeds to step 532.

At step 532, it is determined whether the absence permission for thevehicle tracking entry associated to the unique identification code ofthe tag read at step 524 is set to allowed.

If the absence permission is set to disallowed when the tag is read atstep 524, the method proceeds to step 540 to transmit an alert indicatean unauthorized absence of the vehicle corresponding to the vehicletracking entry associated to that unique identification code of the tagthat was read at step 524.

If the absence permission is set to allowed when the tag is read at step524, the method proceeds to step 548 to set within the vehicle trackingentry the absence status to absent.

Referring now to FIG. 11, therein illustrated is a detailed flowchart ofthe general operation steps of exemplary method 500 for tracking thelocation of a vehicle.

After creating the new vehicle tracking entry 408 at step 516,monitoring of whether an event command for the vehicle tracking entry408 is received is carried out at step 518.

If an event command is received at step 518, at step 520 the absencepermission for the vehicle tracking entry 408 is set to temporarilyallowed. Furthermore, at step 522, a timer corresponding to a time thatthe vehicle is allowed to be off-site is set for the vehicle trackingentry 408.

If the absence permission is set to allowed when the tag is read at step524, the method proceeds to step 548 to set within the vehicle trackingentry the absence status to absent. The timer associated to the vehicletracking entry 408 is triggered to begin counting at step 556.

At step 564, monitoring of whether the timer triggered at step 556 haselapsed.

If the timer has elapsed at 564, at step 572 an alert is transmitted toindicate that the vehicle has been off-site for an amount of time thatexceeds its permitted absence time.

If the timer has not elapsed, the method proceeds to step 580 todetermine whether a remotely readable tag associated to the uniqueidentification code corresponding to the vehicle tracking entry has beenread in a second instance to indicate the return of the vehicle beingtracked.

If the remotely readable tag associated to the unique identificationcode corresponding to the vehicle tracking entry has been read in asecond instance at step 580, the timer is ended at step 596 and theabsence permission for the vehicle tracking entry is set to disallowed.

Referring now to FIG. 12, therein illustrated is a flowchart of thegeneral operational steps of an exemplary method 800 for tracking avehicle. The method 800 may be carried out at the vehicle trackingsystem 208.

At step 517 a vehicle tracking operation for a given vehicle has beeninitialized. The initialization may further define a tracking type. Forexample, during initialization, it may be defined that the vehicle is toundergo maintenance. The type of maintenance may be further defined. Theinitialization may further define one or more milestone locations. Thedefined milestone locations may depend on the tracking type. Themilestone locations may correspond to important points in the trackingoperation. For example, the tracking type may be tracking maintenance ofa vehicle and the milestone locations may correspond to completingimportant stages of the maintenance of the vehicle.

At step 808, remotely readable tags are intermittently being read, eachtag being associated with a respective unique identification code of thetracking operation.

Remotely readable tags may be intermittently read by the handheld reader216 and/or stationary readers 224, 228, 232 or 236.

If a remotely readable tag having a value associated to the uniqueidentification code for the given vehicle of the vehicle trackingoperation (step 517) is read, the method proceeds to step 816. Forexample, the first tag member 108, 608 is read at step 808.

At step 816, the current location of the given vehicle is updated. Forexample, current location entry 428 is updated. The location is updatedto correspond to the location of the reading device 216, 224, 228, 232or 236 that read the remotely readable tag at step 808.

At step 824, it is determined whether the current location of the givenvehicle corresponds to one of the defined milestone locations.

If there is correspondence with one of the milestone locations, themethod proceeds to step 832 to transmit an alert. The alert may be anelectronic message providing information about the progress through thevehicle tracking operation. For example, the information is about theprogress of the vehicle during its maintenance. The progress informationthat is transmitted corresponds to the milestone location reached.

If there is no correspondence, the method proceeds to step 840 todetermine if the tracking operation is to be ended. The trackingoperation may be ended when a final milestone location is reached orwhere a request is made to end the tracking operation.

The tracking operation is terminated at step 848. Alternatively, themethod returns to step 808 to continue reading remotely readable tags.

According to various exemplary embodiments, a further alert may betransmitted upon completing a vehicle tracking operation. For example,the alert may be used to indicate that a maintenance of the vehicle iscomplete and that the vehicle is ready to be picked up. The alert may betransmitted to an offsite customer terminal 264, 268. The alert may alsobe transmitted to an on-site service provider terminal 252, 256.

According to various exemplary embodiments, alerts are automaticallytransmitted upon initializing the vehicle tracking operation and uponcompleting the vehicle tracking operation. Accordingly, a user of anelectronic user device receiving the transmitted alert perceives apositive action (ex: the reception of the alert). This may be useful toalert the user where the user may be more passive and would nototherwise take positive steps to keep up-to-date with the vehicletracking operation.

Referring now to FIG. 13, therein illustrated is a flowchart of thegeneral operational steps of an exemplary method 900 for tracking avehicle. The method 900 may be carried out at the vehicle trackingsystem 208.

At step 517 a vehicle tracking operation for a given vehicle has beeninitialized.

At step 908, remotely readable tags are intermittently being read, eachtag being associated with a respective unique identification code of thetracking operation. Remotely readable tags may be intermittently read bythe handheld reader 216 and/or stationary readers 224, 228, 232 or 236.

If a remotely readable tag having a value associated to the uniqueidentification code for the given vehicle of the vehicle trackingoperation (step 517) is read, the method proceeds to step 916. Forexample, the first tag member 108, 608 is read at step 808.

At step 916, the current location of the given vehicle is updated. Forexample, current location entry 428 is updated. The location is updatedto correspond to the location of the reading device 216, 224, 228, 232or 236 that read the remotely readable tag at step 908.

If the value of a remotely readable tag associated to a given vehicle(ex: first tag member 108, 608) is not read, the method further proceedsto step 924 to determine if a remotely readable tag having a valueassociated to a key of the given vehicle has been read. For example, itis determined whether the second tag member 156, 708 is read at step924.

If a remotely readable tag having a value associated to the key of thegiven vehicle has been read at step 924, the method proceeds to step932.

At step 932, the current location of the key of the given vehicle isupdated. For example current location entry 490 is updated. The locationis updated to correspond to the location of the reading device 216, 224,228, 232 or 236 that read the remotely readable tag at step 924.

If neither first tag member 108, 608 nor second tag member 156, 708 isread, the method proceeds to step 848 determine if the trackingoperation is to be ended. The tracking operation may be ended when afinal milestone location is reached or where a request is made to endthe tracking operation.

The tracking operation is terminated at step 848. Alternatively, themethod returns to step 808 to continue reading remotely readable tags.

Various exemplary embodiments for vehicle tracking described hereinadvantageously increase dealer's transparency. For example, vehiclemaintenance has often been perceived as lacking transparency because acustomer does not know what was done to the vehicle during maintenance.By contrast, according to various exemplary embodiments describedherein, via alerts transmitted and logging of vehicle locations, acustomer bringing a vehicle for service can easily track where thevehicle is in real-time and/or has been from the time the vehicle isbrought to the tracked premises to the time the vehicle is returned tothe customer. This type of “open door” policy assists in improving acustomer's level of trust for the service providers at the trackedpremises.

It will be appreciated that, for simplicity and clarity of illustration,where considered appropriate, reference numerals may be repeated amongthe figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements or steps. Inaddition, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide athorough understanding of the exemplary embodiments described herein.However, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the artthat the embodiments described herein may be practiced without thesespecific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures andcomponents have not been described in detail so as not to obscure theembodiments described herein. Furthermore, this description is not to beconsidered as limiting the scope of the embodiments described herein inany way but rather as merely describing the implementation of thevarious embodiments described herein.

1. A kit comprising: a base member adapted to be releasably attached toan upper region of a vehicle; a pole member comprising a first end thatis adapted to be releasably coupled to the base member; anidentification tag adapted to be mounted on the pole member and at apredetermined distance from the first end; and a light adapted to bepositioned on the pole member.
 2. The kit of claim 1, wherein theidentification tag is adapted to be mounted at a second end of the polemember and at the predetermined distance from the first end.
 3. The kitof claim 1, wherein the length of the pole member is about 30 cm toabout 90 CM.
 4. The kit of claim 1, wherein the predetermined distanceis about 30 cm to about 90 CM.
 5. The kit of claim 1, wherein when thepole member is coupled to the base member and the base member isattached to the upper region of the vehicle, the identification tag ispositioned at a height of about 30 cm to about 60 cm above the roof ofthe vehicle.
 6. The kit of claim 1, wherein the base member includes asuction cup.
 7. The kit of claim 6, wherein the suction cup isreleasably attachable to a windshield of the vehicle.
 8. The kit ofclaim 6, wherein the suction cup is releasably attachable to a roof ofthe vehicle.
 9. The kit of claim 6, wherein the suction cup is adaptedto maintain a binding with the windshield or the roof of a vehicle at atemperature of about −40 degrees Celsius to about 50 degrees Celsius.10. The kit of claim 1, wherein the base member comprises a clip adaptedto be mounted over a top edge of a scrollable window of the vehicle. 11.The kit of claim 10, wherein the clip comprises a first leg and a secondleg opposite the first leg and wherein the pole member extends from thefirst leg.
 12. The kit of claim 11, wherein the clip is mounted to thescrollable window through a pinching of the clip between the scrollablewindow and a bottom side of a roof of the vehicle.
 13. The kit of claim1, wherein the pole member is substantially flexible.
 14. The kit ofclaim 1, wherein the light is adapted to be positioned at the second endof the pole member.
 15. The kit of claim 1, further comprising areceiver adapted to be in signal communication with the light, thereceiver being associated to a unique identification code and beingconfigured to illuminate the light when a signal corresponding to theunique identification code is received thereat.
 16. The kit of claim 1,wherein the identification tag is an RFID tag being associated to aunique identification code and the light is configured to be illuminatedwhen the RFID tag is queried by a signal corresponding to the uniqueidentification code.
 17. A method of mounting an identification deviceto a vehicle, the method comprising: attaching a base member to an upperregion of a vehicle; positioning a pole member coupled to the basemember to a substantially upright position, whereby a remotely readabletag positioned on the pole member is positioned to a predeterminedheight above the upper region of the vehicle; and attaching a light tothe pole member, the light being configured to be illuminated when areceiver in signal communication with the light receives a signalcorresponding to a unique identification code associated to thereceiver.
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the remotely readable tagis positioned at a height of at about 30 centimeters to about 90centimeters above the upper region of the vehicle.
 19. The method ofclaim 17, wherein the upper region comprises one or more of a hood, sidemirror, front windshield, rear windshield, side windows, roof and truckdoor of the vehicle.
 20. The method of claim 17, further comprisingpositioning the remotely readable tag to the distal end of the polemember.